Kimj, the vibrant and dynamic Busan-born producer, has just returned to New York after a whirlwind US tour. Speaking to NME over Zoom, he shares his post-tour experience, having just indulged in a bowl of steaming pho at a local restaurant. With his phone precariously low on battery, Kimj, whose real name is Jaehyun Kim, perfectly embodies the fusion of intensity and charm that colors both his personality and his music. His sound might be likened to “Skrillex on steroids,” but there’s a melodic sweetness woven through his tracks that makes them distinctly his own.
A Unique Fusion of Cultures
Kimj represents a remarkable intersection between Asian and Western musical influences, fostering a burgeoning global underground scene of electronic music. Collaborating with a diverse range of artists, including 2hollis, Nate Sib, and The Deep, Kimj’s work often incorporates elements from various genres. Recently, he has made strides in the mainstream pop arena by teaming up with artists like Tinashe, further broadening his musical horizons and demographic reach.
Reflecting on the future, Kimj emphasizes his belief in the creativity of younger generations: “The young people, they will always be the future.” He sees their untainted vision as fundamental to redefining contemporary culture, free from the weighty concerns of adulthood like bills and taxes. Their innocence, he suggests, contributes to the freshness of their art, making it an exciting time for music.
Roots and Influences
Kimj’s journey into the music world began when he moved to New Jersey at the age of six, immersing himself in classical music education while simultaneously soaking up the sounds of American pop. Influential figures from his childhood—including the likes of Kesha and Katy Perry—shaped his early musical identity. However, it was the burgeoning EDM scene and artists like Martin Garrix that sparked his initial interest in electronic production.
As the years progressed, Kimj gravitated toward hip-hop beats, crafting ‘type’ beats on YouTube and capturing a dedicated following that included notable artists like Rod Wave and NBA YoungBoy. But the pandemic triggered a turning point for him; the exhaustion of creating similar tracks pushed him to seek out a more expansive and innovative sound.
The Healing Power of Cultural Identity
In his quest for self-discovery, Kimj found a pivotal ally in his roommate and fellow producer SEBii. Moving to New York post-high school, SEBii encouraged Kimj to embrace his Asian heritage, shifting his view from one marred by insecurity to one filled with pride. Kimj recalls, “I wasn’t really the proudest to be Korean,” yet living with SEBii opened his eyes to the richness of his own cultural background. This relationship helped bridge a gap of internal conflict, allowing Kimj to love himself and celebrate his identity in his music.
His two years in Korea further solidified this connection. During this time, he was able to collaborate with several artists he admired, including fellow Busan native Effie. Kimj notes, “It was my first time in my life being super close with a female artist; it really changed my life working with her.” Through these interactions, he deepened his understanding of his heritage and found inspiration in the shared experiences of other Asian artists.
Work Ethic and Cultural Commentary
Kimj prides himself on South Korea’s tenacious work ethic, which he attributes to the country’s history and resilience. “Koreans are super hard workers – that’s for better or for worse,” he acknowledges. However, he is critical of Korea’s social conservatism, especially surrounding issues of sexuality. Yet, he remains connected to the drive and passion that characterizes the Korean spirit: “That burning passion we have to survive and do better for ourselves is super Korean.”
This blend of cultural pride and critique surfaces when discussing his role in the collective of East Asian artists aiming to bridge cultures. Kimj is scheduled to perform at the Margins United festival, a UK event spotlighting alternative Asian culture, alongside colleagues from his network, including the likes of f5ve and R!R!R!iot.
The Future of Kimj’s Artistry
Despite already having released three albums, Kimj is gearing up for his most ambitious project yet—an extensive 30-song album titled Dance Music, inspired by his upcoming performance at the Niteharts festival in San Diego. This album represents a significant artistic maturation for Kimj, as he aims to strip away complex concepts in favor of raw, dance-driven energy.
He describes Dance Music as “my most visceral album yet,” focusing solely on creating an environment meant for pure enjoyment and movement. The project will also feature collaborations with emerging talents like Frost Children and Audiogoth, remaining true to his collaborative spirit.
Kimj’s commitment to crafting music that evokes visceral emotions and movement reflects his understanding of music as a shared experience, underscoring the belief that when artists come together, they can create something truly extraordinary. As he prepares for the Niteharts festival, there’s palpable excitement around his upcoming work, promising to resonate deeply within the ever-evolving landscape of electronic music.
